Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Compatible T System
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
The Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Compatible T System lens is a T mount preset lens distributed by Ponder and Best (later Vivitar) in the 1960s. Ponder and Best designated the family to which this lens belongs as the "Compatible T System". With only one exception, the Compatible T System family consisted of prime lenses, including mostly long telephoto lenses. The only non-telephotos were this lens and a 35mm f/3.5 lens. This lens included a screw-on metal lens cap. The lens is marked "Made in Japan". Based on information from Bill Swinyard, the Ponder and Best product manager from 1968-1971, the manufacturer is believed to be Tokyo Optical Equipment Manufacturing, aka Tokyo Koki, which later became known as Tokina Optical Equipment Co, Ltd.[1] There is still some doubt and other sources of confirmation of Tokina as the manufacturer are being researched.
The lens can be used on most modern DSLRs with an appropriate T or T2 adapter. Full frame users should be careful that the camera mirror clears the rear element of the lens, which extends quite far out the back of the lens. When set to infinity focus, the rear element can extend beyond the back of the T mount on some mount adapters.
Variants
Version 1 (early/mid 1960s) - The earliest version of the lens had a metal focus ring with alternating flats and longitudinal ridges. It was badged as a P&B Vivitar. This version is rare.
Version 2 (mid 1960s) - The second version of the lens retained the metal focus ring with alternating flats and longitudinal ridges but switched to Vivitar badging, dropping the P&B. This version is rare.
Version 3 (late 1960s - mid 1970s) - The final version of the lens had a metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges only and a Vivitar badge (pictured on this page). This is version was distributed for approximately five years and is the version most commonly found today.
Specifications
- Badging: Vivitar
- Manufacturer: Tokina (likely but uncertain)
- Manufacture Date: ca 1965?
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 - f/16
- Diaphragm Type: Preset
- Diaphragm Blades: 12
- Filter Diameter: 52mm
- Minimum Focus: 0.76 m (2.5 ft)
- Mounts: T Mount
- Elements: 6
- Groups: 5
- Weight: 220 g (7.75 oz)
- Accessories: screw-on metal lens cap
- Example Serial Numbers: 67570 (v2), 70616 (v3), 74783 (v3)
- Original Stock Number(s): 20-1032
Photos
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 with Canon EF T2 adapter image by steevithak (Image rights) |
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
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| Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 image by steevithak (Image rights) |
References
- ↑ personal correspondence between Bill Swinyard and Steve Rainwater, 21 Feb, 2012
Links
- Boggy's Web Site: Vivitar Preset T-Mount Lenses - 1974 Ponder & Best data sheet (archived)
- Flickr set by steevithak: Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Preset T Mount, photos of and with the lens
